Bishop George Edward Battle Jr. entered eternal rest with his family at his side, on Sunday, March 9, 2025. He was 77 years old.
The funeral arrangements for Bishop Battle included visitation Sunday, March 16 at Greater Gethsemane A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., service Monday, March 17 at Livingstone College starting 11:00 a.m., and internment Tuesday, March 18 at Charlotte Memorial Gardens, 10:00 a.m. All A.M.E. Zion churches were asked to drape the center pulpit chair in black until April 8; and in lieu of flowers, whosoever will, are asked to give to the Greater Enrichment Program, an after-school and tutorial initiative established by Bishop Battle that serves children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, at 2035 Patton Avenue Charlotte, NC 28216, 704.334.8518.
As Battle lay in repose, thousands paid their respects to the 84th Bishop in the line of succession of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, who was also deemed an extraordinary North Carolina statesman. A servant-leading visionary, Battle’s devoted commitment to others and his community, warranted his receipt of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor reserved by North Carolina governors to citizens who have made significant contributions to the state. Battle’s exemplary service is extensive; and to denote a few, he served as commissioner and Board member of Carolinas HealthCare System, co-founder of the Urban League of Central Carolinas, former chairman and Board member of Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board and Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP, and founder of the nonprofit Biddleville Housing Corporation that built and renovated homes in the Biddleville-Five Points community to increase homeownership. A graduate of Clinton College, Livingstone College, and Hood Theological Seminary, Battle is a top donor at these institutions establishing permanent programs that will permeate positive impact for generations.
People, organizations, and institutions bestowed honors and tributes to Battle, reflecting their gratefulness for his service as a social justice and healthcare advocate, a community leader, a church leader, and a committed believer and follower of Christ.
Battle spent over five decades as a pastor and Bishop, preaching the gospel of Jesus and serving marginalized groups earning him the respect of thousands.
The Service of Triumph
Livingstone College hosted the funeral service for Bishop George Edward Battle Jr., with Retired Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend George Washington Carver Walker Sr., presiding.
A tribute to Battle’s legacy of faith and service, welcomed thousands virtually and in person who attested to the rareness of a man who walked in humility and grace.
Emphasizing the primacy of God's Word and reminding people of God's character and actions, the Call to Worship by Bishop Walker, comprised of Old Testament scriptures Isaiah 55:1 and Psalm 48:11-14. Bishop Melanie Miller, presiding prelate of the Western Episcopal District delivered the Invocation, celebrating the life of Bishop Battle and thanking God for Battle’s ministerial impact. She continued asking God to “bless us with the salve that soothes the aches of loss,” and to bless us in carrying forth the legacy of Battle that has been left in our hearts and minds.
In the spirit of the writer of Lamentations, Bishop Dwayne A. Walker, presiding prelate of the Alabama-Florida Episcopal District, reminded audiences, “It is of the Lord’s mercy that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not,” as he lined and led the congregation in the Hymn of Praise, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” followed by Retired Bishop Warren M. Brown, who led the Affirmation of Faith with a collective declaration of the Apostle’s Creed.
Recognizing the unity of human kinship, Bishop W. Darin Moore, presiding prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District offered the Prayer of Comfort reminding worshipers “We need to know we are not alone. . . squeeze gently [the shoulders of neighbors] some hope to let them know they are not by themselves. We are all connected in this sacred moment.” He continued to highlight God’s unfailing love and thanked God for the bond of George and Iris Battle, and the fruits of their union.
The Choirs sang “My Hope is Built” followed by Tributes from a variety of organizations touched by the testament of service and community uplift of the late Bishop Battle. Tributes included; Mrs. Wilhemenia Rembert of the Greater Enrichment Program, founded by Bishop Battle in 1975, Mr. Eugene Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Health, Mr. Jerry McCombs, Chaplain of the Connectional Lay Council, Mrs. Sandra B. Crowder, International President of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr., former president of Livingstone College, Retired Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr., for Hood Theological Seminary, and Rev. Dr. J. Elvin Sadler representing the General Officers of The A.M.E. Zion Church.
“Three hours wouldn’t give me enough time to say everything I need to say about this man,” stated Dr. Sadler, but nothing was left unsaid as contributors discussed, while at times mimicking Battle’s voice, the bishop’s spirit of love, joy, peace, and kindness, and his life as a witness to faith, service, and support. Battle’s unselfish devotion to deeds, his outreach and fiscal generosity, and his recognition that education is more than degrees and diplomas, but an opportunity to unlock potential and change lives, was elevated denoting Battle as a leader of leaders. From the establishment of the first faculty-endowed chair in Old Testament Studies and Scholarship at Hood Theological Seminary to being the largest single alumnus donor at Livingstone College, Battle was a maverick for education, a leader of social justice, and a lover of God’s people whose legacy will inspire generations to come. Woods of Advocate Health shared that 10 million dollars in scholarships have been established in Battle’s name to support future generations in attendance at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in Charlotte. He concluded, “Bishop Battle was a spiritual architect of community. He laid brick upon brick to create foundations of hope, justice, and service.”
The South Carolina Hymn Choir, another gem co-founded by Bishop Battle, sang “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” led by a 16-year-old vocalist filled with old-time religion that rocked and moaned all assembled.
Tributes continued with a dear friend, Rev. Dr. Clifford A. Jones, Sr., who said, “I didn't lose a friend. A friend has made a transition. George is a friend.” He continued referencing biblical friendships highlighting there is one character in the Bible referred to by God as a friend. He attested, in Isaiah 41:8, Abraham was a friend of God. Jones reaffirmed, “The Lord lifted George from a humble beginning because God loved George. George loved God, my friend. What is our consolation . . . What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”
Rev. Dr. David Williams who served as the retired bishop’s pastor shared a community lore stating, “Greater Gethsemane is the house that Battle built.” Williams joyously spoke of the various community engagement programs established by Battle 50 years ago while Battle served Greater Gethsemane as pastor. Williams said, “He was a pastor of the first magnitude.” Through the lunch program, the Greater Enrichment program, and multiple occasions, “our hearts have been blessed by his presence . . . youth know they have a future and purpose in life.”
Rev. Dr. Wardell Henderson expressed on behalf of the Presiding Elders of the Piedmont Episcopal District, deep appreciation for the gift Bishop Battle was to The A.M.E. Zion Church and the world. His leadership and longevity in Zion, weathered times producing wisdom and faithfulness as God moved in his ministry and elevated him to lead others. Henderson said, “Bishop Battle served with distinction, embodying every essence of a true shepherd. His leadership was marked by his generosity, his care, and his unwavering commitment to the work of the kingdom. He gave freely not just of his resources. He gave of his time. He gave of his love. He gave of his wisdom. He gave of his faith, whether it was in the pulpit or the board room.”
Chair for the Connectional Budget Board, Bishop W. Darin Moore recognized Dr. Shirley Welch who served by Battle’s side as the Chief Financial Officer of The A.M.E. Zion Church. Moore continued acknowledging Battle’s ability to balance the fiscal responsibility of the church with impeccable insight. “When it came to the church’s money, he stood on business,” Moore upheld as he acknowledged Battle’s strategies to build confidence in others and position them to navigate spaces and explore uncharted territories. “He inspired all of us,” said Moore. “I got through doors just because of Bishop Battle's name . . . Psalm 22:1 says A good name is more desirable than silver and gold.”
Retired Bishop Dennis V. Proctor gave voice of sentiments on behalf of the Board of Bishops citing Battle as, “The most extraordinary, ordinary person.” Proctor shared stories of Battle’s efforts to expose church leadership to corporate entities and his unique way of breaking barriers through community representation. Proctor continued saying, “He told us it was alright to be gracious. It's better to give than to receive. He showed us that we need to treat all the compliments we get from people like perfume. It’s better to inhale than to swallow.” Generous with his time and family, Battle’s love for others is reciprocated by his family as Proctor declared, “You are our family because of the Love we received from Battle. May our love last forever.”
The grandchildren of Bishop Battle, Glynn (Trey), Alexander (Alex), Peyton, George (Eli), and Michael Chandler emotionally shared their individual love stories about their Paw Paw and deemed Battle was perhaps in heaven preaching a sermon to the Lord about the Lord.
Battle’s daughter LaChandra shared her father was the ultimate girl dad. As a graduate of Livingstone College, LaChandra recalled Bishop Battle preaching the Baccalaureate service for her graduating class, remembering the title of Battle’s address, “To LaChandra’s Class.” She continued, “So to you my dad, thank you for always treating me like I was the queen of the house. Thank you for always showing me what it’s like to give. Thank you for showing me love . . . Love you dad.”
George E. Battle III’s acknowledgment of the greatness of his father included an excerpt from the poem “A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, saying “Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, and departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time,” while sharing his father’s humility in leadership quoting the Bishop, “There are no big I’s or little U’s.” Furthermore, on behalf of the Battle family, George thanked Livingstone College, the Board of Bishops, and “…everyone who is here, everyone who sent a message, who has visited, who has brought food, who has prayed for us, made a call, touched our hands, hugged us, thank you so much. It may seem small to you, but it means so much to us. Your kindness is immeasurable and will never be forgotten.”
Bishop Eric Leake, presiding prelate of the South Atlantic Episcopal District submitted Acknowledgements of the ecumenical community including Bishop Gregory V. Palmer of the United Methodist Church, Retired Senior Bishop Adams Jefferson Richardson, Jr., of the A.M.E. Church, and Bishop D. Williams of Christian Churches Together. Leake stated, “There are many letters, cards, and resolutions that have been received,” while reading a select two Resolutions: first from the Piedmont Episcopal District of The A.M.E. Zion Church highlighting Battle’s dedication to Christ in character, his preaching the gospel, and his selfless giving. Battle led Piedmont to liquidate the depth of Camp Dorothy Walls in Black Mountain, North Carolina which was later named in his honor as the Walls Battle Conference Retreat Center, and Battle addressed the arms of diversity, equity, and inclusion by breaking gender barriers and promoting women in leadership.
The Resolution from the Board of Bishops recognizes the former senior Bishop as an active episcopate for 29 years who was the chairman of the Board of Trustees at Clinton College, Livingstone College, and Hood Theological Seminary. The Board names Battle, “A prince and a great man” in The A.M.E. Zion church who has fallen but is now in the presence of the Lord. Battle will take his place in history as one of the longest-serving active bishops, “Not only as an evangelist, pastor, and Christian servant but a great philanthropist, community leader, champion of education and a social justice advocate.”
As Battle was an extraordinary man in leadership, the unwavering loyalty and active love of his devoted and queenly wife of 55 years, Mrs. Iris Miller Battle gave, comforted him throughout his journey until the end.
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., Senior Bishop of The A.M.E. Zion Church and presiding prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District shared “ . . . seven of the twelve active bishops on the Board of Bishops were blessed to be under the episcopal tutelage of Bishop George Edward Battle Jr., and Mrs. Iris Battle,” whereas the program eulogist, Bishop Daran Mitchell is one of the seven, as he engaged in the Presentation of the Eulogist. Starnes shared that Mitchell, the preaching guru, served under three of four episcopal districts with Battle, and Battle loved to hear Mitchell sing and preach.
Bishop Daran H. Mitchell, presiding prelate of the Mid-West Episcopal District led the Hymn “O Thou in Whose Presence” and delivered the Eulogy.
Like many Mitchell shared, “He [Battle] took a chance on me almost 26 years ago and I’m grateful he saw in me what I couldn’t see in me,” before rendering an encomium and panegyric heartfelt tribute, leaving a lasting impression on the audience by acknowledging death as a life journey and celebrating the remembrance of Battle’s life through his work, worth, and witness.
Mitchell quoted the late Bishop Alfred G. Dunston Jr., saying, “The angel death is never idle and never silent because he has much to do. He is well mounted and well seated and can appear upon the scene suddenly. While at the same time, he can hover low and travel with measured slow steps where need be. He posts over the universe and makes camp among the living for it is among the living things that the angel of death finds his God-appointed appointment.” Mitchell encouraged the congregants to praise God for Battle, “A gift from the Eastern sector of North Carolina that blazed a path around the world and left for us a legacy that will outlive his lifespan.” He continued, only Bishop George E. Battle could gather us beneath thy maples and thy oaks at Livingstone College. “He has summoned us here to remind us of just how sacred and how precious this moment is . . . only God could saturate this place with the favor God can entrust with a pilgrim from Pinetops to bless the world.”
Referencing Hebrews 11:13-16, Mitchell stated, “George Edward Battle Jr., saw from a distance.” Mitchell asked, “What are you living for?” while challenging the congregants to not only get right but get ready. A bold assertion can give you a blessed assurance.
Bishop Mitchell painted Bishop Battle’s prayer life and how that foundation shaped the way he gave, the way he preached, and how he practiced a life of faith. Anecdotally, Battle's action reminded Mitchell of a story about NBA All-Star Michael Jordan, who when asked, “How is it that you can go so high in the air and reach so far toward the goal? Michael Jordan replied, it was not in my feet, it was in my knees. If I bent my knees at the right time, I could go higher than before.”
Bishop Mitchell closed with a story of travel regarding the personal mannerisms of Bishop Battle. Battle exited airplanes and immediately ripped off the tags from his luggage at Baggage Claims, stating, " This is my reminder that this trip has come to a close. I don't need these tags because I've already been there. I've already done that. I'm ripping off these tags and I'm getting ready for the next trip."Bishop Mitchell moved, "He ripped off the tags from Rocky Mount to York County. He ripped off the tags from Clinton College to Mount Vernon. And he ripped off tags from Center Emmanual and Emmanuel Chapel. He ripped off the tags when he got to Foundation and Tabernacle. But he wasn’t finished. He went to Mt. Zion Lancaster, and he ripped off the tags, from Foundation Tabernacle. But he wasn’t finished. He went to Gethsemane, and he ripped off the tags from Mt. Zion Lancaster. And then in1992, he was elected Bishop in the church. He went to South Carolina; he ripped off the tags from Gethsemane church. And went to South Carolina, but he wasn’t done. He went to Eastern North Carolina, so he ripped off the tags from South Atlantic. But he wasn’t done. He went to Northeastern, so he ripped off the tags from Eastern North Carolina. But he wasn’t done. He came to Piedmont, and he ripped off the tags from Northeastern Episcopal District. But he wasn’t done. He went to General Conference and ripped off the tags from Piedmont District. But last, one last Sunday when he got done with his work, he ripped off his tags and bid this world farewell . . .”
Mitchell closed stating, "From a distance, we see a brighter tomorrow. From a distance, we see glory overhead. From a distance we see Bishop George E. Battle, going before us, but they can't crown him until we get there. Amen."
The steadfast team of Bishop George E. Battle Jr. included many, with special recognition to Janice Jones, Joyce Lovett, and Rev. Rodney Courtney, whose commitment can be summed up in scripture, Romans 12:10-11, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
All joined in voices for the Closing Selection, “Hallelujah Chorus,” and the Recessional “God Be With You Til We Meet Again.” Afterwards, Bishop Mitchell pronounced the Benediction.
The repast was hosted in New Trent Gymnasium at Livingstone College.
Da'Tarvia Parrish serves as the Faculty Assembly President for Livingstone College and was a proud recipient of the Bishop Battle Scholarship as an undergraduate student at Livingstone.
The Obituary for Bishop George Edward Battle, Jr.
The Photo Gallery of Bishop George Edward Battle. Jr.'s Funeral
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